Class of '82
August 2002

Dear Classmates:

The countdown is beginning. In less than one month we will be getting together to celebrate our 20th class reunion in Bloomington on Friday, September 20th and in St. Peter on Saturday, September 21st. You have been receiving information from the Gustavus Adolphus Alumni office in your mail – so please respond and plan on attending the celebrations.

A couple of weeks ago J.C. Anderson and I attended a Class Agents meeting at Mt. Olivet. The important news from the meeting was how the alumni classes did in terms of annual giving in the last fiscal year 2001–02. With respect to our class, the goal set for last year was 179 donors, representing 40% of our class. The actual numbers were 171 donors and a 38.3% participation rate. Based on these results, congratulations are in order, but we still have work to do to achieve the overall goal of 50% participation by 2003-04. Remember, every donation helps us reach the 50% goal!

I again want to discuss the establishment of a Class of 1982 Scholarship. As I stated in an earlier letter the purpose of the fund would be to provide one or more annual scholarships to a student or students who need financial assistance to attend Gustavus Adolphus College. This endowed fund would reflect the thoughtfulness and generosity of the members of the Class of 1982 and demonstrate our gratitude for being able to attend one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the nation.

It was my initial thought that each class member contribute $10 for every year they have been out of Gustavus Adolphus, or $200. To this end – J.C., AnnWasson McGowan and I have contributed $200 each to start the fund. I would hope those of you who attend the Reunion would bring a check to add to the fund. Those of you who cannot attend the Reunion, but want to contribute to the fund, please mail your checks to Gustavus, c/o Class of 1982 Scholarship Fund. If $200 is more than you want to contribute – that is fine, bring or send what you can afford. The important thing is that you participate in assisting future students.

I speak for J.C. and Ann when I say we look forward to seeing and visiting with you on September 20th. Take care.

Kindest Regards,

Richard J. Olson

1982 Co-class Agent

Campus News

Former Gustavus President John Kendall Dies

John S. Kendall ’49 died July 26, 2002, he had been fighting Leukemia for several years. He was the 12th president of Gustavus serving from 1981-1991. He was a longtime beloved and respected president and psychology professor.

Nature vs. Nurture Conversation

Is it genetics or environment that has the greatest impact on who you are? Nature and Nurture will be explored during this years Nobel Conference. Join conference director and psychology professor, Tim Robinson during August and September for a preview of this fascinating topic at <http://hellowalk.gustavus.edu>.

Interviewers Needed

The Career Center and Senior Class Gift Committee will host Mock Interview Night for Gustavus students with alumni on campus, Thursday October 3 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Alumni are invited to campus to conduct mock interviews with students preparing for internship, employment and graduate/professional school interviews. Sample questions will be provided. If you are able to participate or if you have questions about how to assist the students through the Career Center in other ways, please contact the Career Center at career-center@gustavus.edu.

Sports

On Homecoming, Saturday, September 21, Gustavus will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Gustavus Intercollegiate Athletics. Events will include an all athletes reunion and the induction of the following people into the Athletic Hall of Fame: Jack Colvard ’56 (basketball), LinnErickson Ahrendt ’87 (basketball), Cameron Foster ’85 (track and field), Amy LeClaire-Sach ’86 (volleyball), Willie Lindquist (benefactor), Shaun Miller ’82 (tennis), Kurt Ploeger ’85 (football), Leah Ross Holmes ’82 (track and field). For more information on the Hall of Fame induction or the 125th Anniversary of Gustavus Intercollegiate Athletics go to <gustavus.edu/alumni/events/events.cfm>.